What other parts can I get rid of to slim down the motor clutter.

I am wanting to get the 2.8 to operate in simple terms.

Na there is lots you can take off the car, I just don't think the tech guys wanted to sit down and explain it in detail.  

However is a list.  If you can figure it all out, GREAT.  If you can't its best to leave it alone.

EGR Pod, EGR Solenoid, all related vacuum lines and wiring.

Fuel Evap canister and all related vacuum lines.

Vacuum can and all related parts.  Assuming you don't have cruise. 

You can eliminate 90% of the vacuum lines in the engine bay, reduce wiring down a bit.

Things you will have to do, get a custom prom chip made that electronically deletes the EGR system as the engine will throw a code if you remove the entire EGR system and try to run with a stock chip.

Here are some pics.

That entire mess of vacuum lines under the plenum can be removed, and only leaving I think 2 short lines for the MAP sensor and the Fuel Pressure Regulator. Then the one large one for the brakes.  The one for the map ends up being less than an inch of line as you can draw direct from the intake port next to it, the one for the Fuel Pressure reg gets moved over to the other side of the intake plenum. Which is a much shorter run. 

Oh and the pipe that goes from the rear valve cover to the intake tube, can be removed and replace the open port in the valve cover with a K&N breather from Lordco.